LEOMINSTER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University women's cross country team placed third at the season-opening Jim Sheehan Memorial Invitational hosted by Fitchburg State University on Saturday at the Doyle Conservation Center in  Leominster, Massachusetts.

Freshman Jenise Madden (Milford, Mass.) was the Bears' top runner as she covered the five-kilometer course in a time of 20:17. Madden finished third out of a field of 95 runners.

Junior Kristyn Grattan (Hanover, Mass.) was next across the line for the Bears as she placed 15th with a time of 21:41. Grattan was followed by senior Theresa Connolly (North Andover, Mass.) who checked in at 20th overall (22:04). 

Sophomore Emily Guyon (Hopedale, Mass.) and freshman Sydnee Midura (Fall River, Mass.) rounded out the Bears' top 30 performers. Guyon placed 26th with a time of 22:21, while Midura finished 29th overall with a time of 22:46.

Jess Cardin of Westfield State University captured the individual title with a time of 18:09, while Westfield State also won the team title.

The Bears placed third in the team standings at the meet. Of the six teams that competed, five were MASCAC squads.

After a weekend off, the Bears will compete at the UMass Dartmouth Invitational on Saturday, September 17th.